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LTX engines in C3?

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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 07:28 PM
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Default LTX engines in C3?

I did a search, but I guess I don't know how or there aren't any threads about installin LT series engines in C3s.

I've been following the thread on LS engines and have been learning alot on the LS1Tech forum. I've also been watching LS/LT engine prices on Ebay.

The thing is, I have a '94 and have gotten quite familiar with the LT1 and have slooowly been learning to work with the PCM, CCM, etc. And I have new LT4 heads, intake, hot cam kit w1.6 rr that I was planning to install in the '94 until I had to get back in C3 (I've had five) and found a solid project '73. It's a motorless BB with the original 4spd, rebuilt susp, etc.

So I'm thinking, why not build an LT4 to put in the '73? Fewer mods, I can run the stock 4spd and bellhousing (can I?) until and if I want to put in a T56.

Am I right that it is a relatively simpler install than an LS?
Will I just need the ECM/PCM to run the motor?
Recommended sources for more info on this?

Thanks,
Carl
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 07:41 PM
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Carl,

I had this very conversation with a restoration shop in Pueblo Co ("Corvette Center" -- 719 596-2996) this am. The folks there were having a heck of a time getting the LTX motor setup properly and it was a 94 version. You ought to give them a call and pick their brain.

Cheers,

Crunch

Last edited by Crunch-o-Matic; Jul 14, 2007 at 07:46 PM.
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 07:41 PM
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There should be plenty of threads on the swap, but they've probably all dropped down to the archives. Did you read the "Search!" sticky?
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 09:56 PM
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Just remember the optispark is very expensive for lt motors.
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by PatsLs1vette
Just remember the optispark is very expensive for lt motors.
Which is the single most important reason I did NOT go the LT series engines on my swap over...ten years ago....

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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Crunch-o-Matic
Carl,

I had this very conversation with a restoration shop in Pueblo Co ("Corvette Center" -- 719 596-2996) this am. The folks there were having a heck of a time getting the LTX motor setup properly and it was a 94 version. You ought to give them a call and pick their brain.

Cheers,

Crunch
Thanks, Crunch. Will do.
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 11:52 PM
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Originally Posted by PatsLs1vette
Just remember the optispark is very expensive for lt motors.

Yep. Replaced one in my '94 a couple years ago @75K miles. Dealing with the CCM now.
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Old Jul 14, 2007 | 11:58 PM
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Thanks for the replies. I'm gathering info on my swap, trying to decide whether to go SBC with something like the GMPP Ramjet 350, LS series, or LT series w or w/o a 6spd. Weighing the pro and cons. I've got a while before making a decision. I'm moving from AZ to CT this summer and will tow the '73 and drive the '94 if I don't sell it.

I'll wait till I get the garage in the new house set up, before I start on the project.

Thanks, again. I'll keep the forum posted when I do start.
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 12:01 AM
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Originally Posted by I'm Batman
There should be plenty of threads on the swap, but they've probably all dropped down to the archives. Did you read the "Search!" sticky?
No
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 12:03 AM
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Old Jul 15, 2007 | 01:10 PM
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I know you can modify an LT1 manifold for a distributor...doesn't the LT1 oil pump use a stub shaft (like the bottom of a distributor) to run the oil pump? Installing a conventional distributor and simply bypassing the OptiSpark might be an option...
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Old Jul 16, 2007 | 02:40 PM
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Default Hmmmm?

Originally Posted by I'm Batman
I know you can modify an LT1 manifold for a distributor...doesn't the LT1 oil pump use a stub shaft (like the bottom of a distributor) to run the oil pump? Installing a conventional distributor and simply bypassing the OptiSpark might be an option...

Actually, the opti-spark doesn't scare me off like it seems to others. However, that was the first problem I had with my 95 Impala SS and the first with the 94 vette, so maybe it should. I'll have to research this option, though.

Is that what GMPP did to the RamJet 350 to keep it old school distributor?
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Old Jul 16, 2007 | 07:30 PM
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I picked up a 9C1 Caprice ('94) to use as a parts donor for my '75. I've seen a company online(can't remember who) that has plug and play conversion for Opti-spark. Uses Northstar style coils and the opti-spark just for trigger. Sure if you do a search you can find them. Maybe even seen them in one of the various Vette mags I've picked up. Good luck and document if you do the swap. I'm not gonna get started until the fall at the earliest.
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Old Jul 17, 2007 | 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by vwcorvette
I picked up a 9C1 Caprice ('94) to use as a parts donor for my '75. I've seen a company online(can't remember who) that has plug and play conversion for Opti-spark. Uses Northstar style coils and the opti-spark just for trigger. Sure if you do a search you can find them. Maybe even seen them in one of the various Vette mags I've picked up. Good luck and document if you do the swap. I'm not gonna get started until the fall at the earliest.

Thanks for the info. I won't start mine until at least the fall. I plan to run a thread once I start. That's it in my avatar. The red one, ha-ha. The only thing I've done is I took the overwide Weld Wheel rims and dry rotted tires off and bought a set of used stock ralleys from the forum and mounted them with new BFG TA's. I just picked up a '76 hood for it since, as you can see in the avatar, the previous owner(s) screwed up the stock ine by cutting a hole in it and glassing that open scoop on to it.
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